Staples Pond Reservoir Report
Nearby: Walton Mill Mosher
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Staples Pond, located in Franklin, Maine, is a privately owned reservoir with a gravity dam that was completed in 1962.
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Summary
This dam stands at a height of 10 feet and has a hydraulic height of 6 feet, providing a storage capacity of 300 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the dam is classified as 'Other', with a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that has not been rated since October 2014.
The Staples Pond dam is regulated by the Maine Emergency Management Agency and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The reservoir, also known as Santa Claus Lake, covers a surface area of 0 acres and has a drainage area of 0 acres. Despite its small size, Staples Pond plays a vital role in water resource management in the region, offering recreational opportunities and supporting the local ecosystem. Climate enthusiasts interested in water infrastructure and management will find Staples Pond to be a fascinating case study of a modest yet important water resource in the state of Maine.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
100 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
Staples Pond/Santa Claus Lake |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Hydraulic Height |
6 |
Nid Storage |
300 |
Structural Height |
10 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sandy River Near Mercer
|
326cfs |
Carrabassett River Near North Anson
|
304cfs |
Swift River Near Roxbury
|
89cfs |
Androscoggin River At Rumford
|
2230cfs |
Ellis River At South Andover
|
74cfs |
Kennebec River At Bingham
|
2680cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Staples Pond